Of course,
the Silverado SS, with its extended cab, also weighs around 600 pounds
more than either truck. In fact, it's probably closest to the supercharged
2002 Ford F-150 Harley
Davidson Edition Super Crew when it comes to configuration and performance.
When it comes
to towing, if that's what you think you will be doing with your SS, the
7500 pound capable Silverado outdoes the Lightning by 2500 pounds with
its Z82 heavy duty trailering package, though it only beats the Lightning
by 90 pounds in payload at 1490 pounds. There are no official figures
for the SRT-10 but we estimate it to be capable of hauling a 10,000 pound
trailer.
Second
Opinion: A Truck that Rocks, Rolls and Hauls
By: Tom Keefe
If
you were waiting for Chevrolet to come up with a Ford SVT F-150
Lightning fighter you might be a little disappointed with the new
Chevrolet SS, due early next year as 2003 model. After all, on paper
the Chevrolet SS is missing so much of what the Lightning has.
Ford
Lightning Wins:
1.
Super Charger with 8 PSI of Boost
2. Horse Power 380 @ 4750 RPM
3. Torque 450 Pound Feet
4. Pure unadulterated speed under 14 seconds ¼ mile and 140+
MPH top speed
5. Unmistakable SVT Lightning looks
What
more could anyone want than what the SVT Lightning offers?
If
you go shopping for a killer truck like the Ford Lightning, you
have to make a few compromises. Now don't start shooting at me you
Ford guys. I seriously considered the Lightning even though I needed
room for 4 people. The deciding factor for me was towing capacity.
With 5000 pound towing capacity and 800 pound payload (2002 specs)
the Lightning is just barely a pickup. I needed more capacity as
well as performance.
I was
ready to go buy a ¾ ton something and then buy a sports car
to drive when I wanted have some fun. Nevertheless, I am a truck
kind of guy. Then I heard about the new Chevrolet SS. I thought
Chevy would follow Ford and build a regular cab. If they built a
bigger cab like a Crew or Extended Cab, then they would just hang
a bunch of cladding on the side and call it an SS.
The
2003 Chevrolet SS is a truck that reminds me of the days gone by
and I look forward to many enjoyable weekends making this SS my
SS. I don't want to give my age away but I remember going to the
dealer and buying a vehicle that needed all my attention to finally
become mine. In addition, that's my definition of fun when you can
find a vehicle that when you walk away you stop turn around look
at your pride and joy and say that is mine.
Well
call me any name you want but I love this truck. When I was afforded
the opportunity to see Chevrolets newest SS… all I can say
is I like the Extended Cab though I would have preferred a Crew
Cab I am happy with the shorter Extended Cab 143.5 inch wheelbase.
In my opinion, the Chevrolet extended has the most useable back
seat. I would not sacrifice bed length for a Crew Cab as I need
the extra bed length and with SS's 7500 pound towing capacity and
a 1400 payload capacity, who knows a new Fifth Wheel trailer could
replace the boat or better yet get a slip for the boat near a campground.
Moreover,
if I want pure speed I can buy some of that for my New SS for a
lot less than buying a different truck to tow my trailer and one
to drive for pleasure while not towing. I admit that I want both
in the same truck. Now thanks to the good folks at Chevrolet I can
have both trucks in one.
1.
More cab space. Like a 2+2 sports car, I have to carry 4 people
and granted two of them don't need a bunch of room but they do need
seat belts.
2. I need to tow a 7000-pound trailer.
3. At least 1400-pounds of payload
4. I like to go skiing and drive up in the mountains when the roads
are not cleared.
5. I do like to drive off road on some of the fire roads no pavement.
6. Sporty Styling
Shopping
List
1.
Super Charger now I need to do some research on this maybe you all
could help me figure out which one is the best.
2. I like the wheels but I could use some ideas on different wheels
3. I need to change the exhaust system better fuel economy you know
hehehe
4. Should I get XM radio for those long trips
5. Fifth wheel trailer that will work with a 6.5 foot bed
6. Does anyone know about a SS boat?
7. Custom paint job
I like
this new SS from Chevrolet. I wish it was here already.
The rest
of the Silverado SS is quite a nice package.
The exterior
is probably the best execution to date of Chevrolet truck's new Avalanche
inspired look. It's quite aggressive and clean with "SS" badges
on the tailgate and front doors. Available in three colors (onyx black,
victory red and arrival blue), the SS wears a monochromatic paintjob that
extends to the power bar grille and ground effects. In the lower front
fascia, the SS includes some styling cues taken directly from the 2000
Silverado SS concept truck. The 20" 5 spoke aluminum wheels are
well done and distinctive. It's a shame the photographs don't do them
justice.
The leather
trimmed interior is top of the line with the same mid-cycle enhancements
as the rest of the 2003
Silverado lineup. Extras include "SS" emblems embroidered
into the seat headrests and an "SS" logo on the dash. The IP
gauges are clean and easy to read with black on white lettering and white
backlighting at night. Though you can order an SS with a single CD/cassette
player audio system, you would be foolish to pass up the optional Bose
stereo with its XM Radio capabilities. The fidelity and choice of music
are head and shoulders above whatever has been offered before in a pickup.
Though pricing
was not announced we estimate it will be right around $38,000, arriving
at dealerships in the first quarter of 2003.
Overall the
SS probably isn't the breakthrough performance truck that some might have
been expecting but sources are already starting to reveal that this is
just the beginning. Expect to see improvements made to this truck each
year, including substantial power upgrades and a possible 6-speed manual
transmission.
